You offered well-structured, convincing arguments. Your definition of overriding, not absolute, was very effective.

1. Potential risks
Avoiding forward contamination to protect ecosystems seems valid. I'm not convinced that backward contamination is an important issue in this debate. However, your point that reducing contamination is an important issue is strong.

2. Further advancement
Albeit well presented in the opening speech, there was not a lot of debate about this issue.

3. Relocation
We need to protect and preserve extraterrestrial microbial life to preserve and protect planets for humans to live in the future. This contention has some feasibility issues.

Your opponent offered a counter plan, creating an International Council. Why is international law a more effective way then an International Council? You explained this point with persuasive logic. Concrete examples of current space law and councils, pointing out potential shortfalls of an International Council, would make this point more convincing. Furthermore, regarding the cost issue your opponent brings up: how is establishing a law more cost effective than establishing an international council? I felt this point needed to be addressed.

You opponent has defined overriding as not absolute. Rather than saying your opponent has failed to understand, present it as a definition challenge.

1. How would establishing a legal obligation to protect microbial life stop us from protecting life on earth? Your processes and links were unclear in this argument. I'm not convinced that simply having an international law would mean that we stop protecting life on earth.

2. You present challenges to the effectiveness of international law. This is a compelling argument. Please develop it further. If you can frame international law as ineffective, support your counter plan with more solid evidence, and challenged your opponent's key issues, you could win on this point. You bring up cost: How will establishing a law cost more than establishing an International Council?